Bellingham is also something I considered. Maybe because when I see it on a map, all I think of is how much closer it is to Whistler! But seriously, it's still a possibility for sure, I think it may be one of those things to think about after settling in to the general area first.

Or maybe we should just move to Whistler, until reality finally bites us!

Check out Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula. Relatively quiet area with plenty of riding opportunities nearby. For several years I commuted on my bike VIA ferry to downtown Seattle. Great location and I dug the easy access to the Olympic Peninsula.

True

Originally Posted by big_slacker

Ever been to detroit, the midwest, etc... during the winter? How bout anchorage, I go there for work all the time. That's miserable. Seattle is mild, couple days ago I went for a roadie ride, today I did a sweet powder day at crystal. 7 months miserable, really? Outside of 3-4 months of rainy winter (and the rain is generally afternoon) it's usually pretty nice.

I've travelled all over the country and think this area offers a good mix of nice environment, mellow people, plentiful employment, no income tax and year round outdoor activity (if you know how to put on a hat).

The desert/high desert is nice as well if you like that climate, it's just a matter of balancing your locale with your lifestyle. If you just want to ride and don't care about a traditional career maybe you'll be fine in a tourist town.

The argument that places like Michigan are more miserable is like the argument that my spouse is nice on weekdays and only beats me on weekends. Think about it. I just react to the gloom more than most I guess. It just rains and rains and rains and rains and rains.....

The argument that places like Michigan are more miserable is like the argument that my spouse is nice on weekdays and only beats me on weekends. Think about it. I just react to the gloom more than most I guess. It just rains and rains and rains and rains and rains.....

Have a Merry Christmas.

LOL, fair enough. I'm all about getting to the environment around you that you enjoy. If you hate rain and overcast this much the PacNW is about the worst place to be.

We are doing our last years in the our jobs. Eventually, the plan is to move south. I'm just sensitive to dark and crappy weather. Color me stupid

Little off topic, but people that work inside and live in an overcast area might be vitamin D deficient which can lead to all kinds of problems including depression, mood swings, immune system issues and so on. Ask me how I know, don't eat meat or dairy and moved to Seattle. Once I got on some good D supplements my mood and energy level improved like mad. If you haven't you might give it a shot, might make your remaining time here better.

90 miles north, Bellingham. come and visit sounds like you would like it.

Also it's a bit less rainy than Seattle.

I have to say, that has not been my experience. I lived right on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham for 3 years, moved away for a few years, and now living in Seattle in the Ballard neighborhood, and I have found Seattle to be noticeably less rainy.

Little off topic, but people that work inside and live in an overcast area might be vitamin D deficient which can lead to all kinds of problems including depression, mood swings, immune system issues and so on. Ask me how I know, don't eat meat or dairy and moved to Seattle. Once I got on some good D supplements my mood and energy level improved like mad. If you haven't you might give it a shot, might make your remaining time here better.

Good tip

Originally Posted by big_slacker

Little off topic, but people that work inside and live in an overcast area might be vitamin D deficient which can lead to all kinds of problems including depression, mood swings, immune system issues and so on. Ask me how I know, don't eat meat or dairy and moved to Seattle. Once I got on some good D supplements my mood and energy level improved like mad. If you haven't you might give it a shot, might make your remaining time here better.

I will check it out. I'm a desert rat and a sunshine hound. Seattle is a gorgeous city but man it is big Merry Christmas.